Lorien
About: The War of the Ring elf faction has the best variety of ranged units (5 archer units, + 1 skirmisher unit), and the widest assortment of elite units. The Core faction has an assortment of high quality basic infantry, along with Galadhrim warriors, and Horse Archers instead of conventional basic cavalry. The Mirkwood faction provides elite archers and swordsmen, with high damage and splash but low armour, and the Elvenkings Guard (best described as meat shields) each of whom is almost of hero strength themselves. Mithlond provides heavy defensive spearmen, and skirmishers, both on foot and mounted, which are excellent for disrupting enemy formations. finally Rivendell has some very powerful elite swordsmen and cavalry, plus powerful heroes and the Noldor Lightbearer unit, capable of hurling lightning bolts at range, melee fighting with his staff, and purchasing several additional spells. Also worth a mention is the Gondolin Avenger unit, (available only through a summon) a dual sword wielding elite warrior with leadership and blademaster, capable of outmatching almost any other infantry unit (a little preview of the future 1st Age Noldor faction).
Strategies:
General: Lorien is a force to be feared because of their incredible array of heroes, spell powers, and elite units. Their units are generally expensive and frail, yet have a strong attack and good speed and their archers are some of the best in the game. With successful hit-and-run tactics and a strong economy, they can beat any foe.
Throughout the game, it is best for Lorien to focus on getting a strong economy and tech up to their elite units while using early Lorien units to keep the enemy away with hit-and-run attacks.
Early game: The early game is tough for Lorien because their units are very costly and die easily, so you should try to avoid charging the enemy head-on. The key for Lorien's early game is their Lorien Archers. They are fast, have good range, and can do some serious damage. Of course, they also suffer from Lorien frailty, but this can be overcome by keeping the enemy units out of range while slaughtering them with arrows. This is best done with at least 2 Lorien archer battalions so that one can run away while the other shoots. Though Lorien archer battalions are the key, it's a good idea to have Lorien warriors and at least one battalion of pikes to serve as a meat shield.
The main focus of the early game is to hold off the enemy while getting a lvl3 barracks as fast as you can. In this phase of the game, it is best to play defensively, but if there are any strategic points on the map, then these should be taken immediately for any faction.
Mid game: Now you have a lvl3 barracks, which means that Galadhrim can come out. They are the ultimate unit of the Lorien core/minifaction because they are still stealthed in forests, can use swords and bows amazingly, have pretty good armour, and have the Elven speed. With them and Haldir, you can step out of your defensive positions and begin to attack and because you have an upgraded barracks, you can get battering rams to take down the enemy fortress. If the enemy is aggressive and competent, then you should stay in your base, though and then attack during the late game.
The main focus of the mid game is to turn the scales to your favour. Harass the enemy with Haldir and be sure to get upgrades for your army. If your midgame force isn't enough to win against the enemy, then the late game should finish them off.
Late game: This is when you get minifactions. Depending on play style, Mirkwood or Rivendell are usually the best but if the enemy likes a lot of cavalry or has built up a strong base, then Mithlond or Fangorn can also be useful, but generally are not needed. Mirkwood archers are the best of the WotR era, so they're my favourite, but Rivendell provides something that the Lorien faction really lacks before getting them: Heavy infantry and melee cavalry, not to mention the mighty light-bearers. Once you have minifactions, the game is pretty much won.
Spell Powers:
Generally, the best power tree is Rallying Call->Gondolin Avengers/Woodland Magic->Wrath of Osse->Flood->Winds of the West, although flood might not be needed.
Why is this the best?
1. Rallying call offers strong bonuses to your units to enhance their abilities.
2. Gondolin Avengers do AMAZING damage, especially when their special ability is in use, but because of their low-ish health, they are best summoned at the rear of the enemy's army to slaughter their ranged units. However in some circumstances, especially if the enemy is fielding fast or strong units, or if you are using ambush tactics Woodland Magic may be a good choice.
3. Wrath of Osse is one of the more powerful army destroying spells. It should be used with caution however, as it can hit allied units.
4. Flood is also useful for direct damage to enemy troops.
5. Winds of the West is more powerful than sunflare, and will kill almost anything.
Highlights:
- Tearing the enemy apart with the most powerful spell book of the era.
- Cutting through vast hordes of spam with the elites of Lorien, Mirkwood and Rivendell.
Units and Heroes
CORE FACTION: LOTHLORIEN
HEROES:
- Galadriel - Lady of Light
- Celeborn - Lord of the Golden Wood
- Haldir - Captain of the Galadhrim
- Rumil - Warrior of Lorien
- Orophin - Archer of Lorien
UNITS:
- Galadhrim Swordsmen- basic stealthed swordsmen
- Galadhrim Bowmen - basic stealthed archers
- Galadhrim Glade Guards- basic stealthed spearmen
- Galadhrim Glade Riders - basic ranged cavalry
- Marchwardens - light stealthed scouts
- Galadhrim Vanguards - elite weapon toggle infantry
- Battering Ram - siege weapon
MINIFACTION: RIVENDELL
HEROES:
- Elrond - Lord of Imladris
- Glorfindel - Noldorin Lord
- Elladan - Son of Elrond
- Elrohir - Son of Elrond
- Arwen - The Evenstar
UNITS:
- Imladris Protectors - elite swordsmen
- Imladris Sentries - elite spear cavalry
- Guardians of Imladris - elite sword cavalry
- Noldor Lightbearers - elite spellcasters
MINIFACTION: MITHLOND
HEROES:
- Cirdan - The Shipwright
- Galdor - Cirdans Lieutenant
- Gildor Inglorion - Noldor Elf who resides at the havens before leaving middle earth
UNITS:
- Spearmen of the Havens - elite spearmen
- Forlond Skirmishers - elite spear-throwers
- Harlond Spear Riders - elite spear-throwing cavalry
MINIFACTION: MIRKWOOD
HEROES:
- Thranduil - King of the Woodland Realm
- Legolas - Prince of Mirkwood
UNITS:
- Silvan Sentinels - light super-stealthed swordsmen
- Silvan Pathstalkers - elite light super-stealthed archers
- Elvenking's Guards - elite swordsmen
MINIFACTION: FANGORN
HEROES:
- Treebeard - Ancient of Fangorn
- Quickbeam - Ent of Fangorn
UNITS:
- Ents - heavy ranged siege units
Faction Renders
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Faction Screenshots
Coming Soon!